Internet @ Schools

Knowledge Adventure Partners With John Lithgow on 'Books by You' Software Program

Knowledge Adventure has announced it will release Knowledge Adventure Books by You, a software product designed to allow kids eight and up to create, edit, illustrate, and personalize books that "celebrate the storyteller in each child" and work to inspire improved reading and comprehension skills.

The software program includes the framework for students to select from four original chapter books that can be customized based on personal experience and input. Once they have selected their storyline, students put their imaginations, creativity, and literacy skills to work with the help of actor and author John Lithgow, who serves as a "story muse" to the students' creative process. Lithgow motivates and guides students through the book creation exercise by presenting a series of leading questions and supportive strategies.

Students' answers to the questions and the details they include are woven into the story in unexpected ways that make reading the story an involving experience. Students expand their vocabulary through new words that are introduced and defined. Once the writing process is complete, students can edit the book, add illustrations, design a book cover, and incorporate details about themselves in the "About the Author" section. The completed books included the students' own ideas, creativity, and imagination.

When finished, students can print their book in the classroom, save it as a PDF file for sharing via e-mail, or even publish a professionally printed and bound version to share with classmates, friends, and family. Book promotion options within the product will allow users to create a press release or posters to notify potential readers about their creation.

Knowledge Adventure Books by You is designed to provide a motivational experience that will develop better, more enthusiastic readers and involved families, according to the announcement. It will be available for purchase in late September in a teacher edition, lab pack, site license, and network version, for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. For more information, visit http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/booksbyyou/.